The Ranger

Stabilization project continues in canyon

Construction of a 1,100-foot retaining wall is nearly complete on the $1.88 million slope stabilization project in the Wind River Canyon between Shoshoni and Thermopolis on U.S. 20/Wyoming 789.

"The 1,100-foot wall is the longest of the five retaining walls on the project," said Robert Scheidemantel, Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer in Riverton.

Scheidemantel said the contractor's work crews are now working on a smaller retaining wall about four miles south of Thermopolis near Wedding of the Waters at the north end of Wind River Canyon. Construction of the other three "smaller" retaining walls will begin after this retaining wall is constructed.

Scheidemantel said the contractor's work schedule shows most work on the slope stabilization/retaining wall project is expected to be complete in June. Project work will be shut down over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

"Some paving is tentatively scheduled for late this month," Scheidemantel said. "The progress of work will continue to be dependent upon favorable weather."

Expected work on the project includes grading, draining, placing crushed gravel and asphalt paving, and other highway improvements in Wind River Canyon.

Prime contractor for the project is Oftedal Construction, Inc., of Miles City, Mont. Contract completion date is Oct. 31.